Psychosocial development of full term singletons, born after preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) at preschool age and family functioning: a prospective case-controlled study and multi-informant approach

• Published in: Human reproduction (Oxford) 2015-05, Vol.30 (5), p.1122-1136
• Main Authors: Winter, C., Van Acker, F., Bonduelle, M., Desmyttere, S., Nekkebroeck, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Case-Control Studies; Child; Child Behavior; Child Development; Child, Preschool; Female; Fertilization; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Models, Statistical; Preimplantation Diagnosis - methods; Prospective Studies; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic - adverse effects; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic - methods
• ISSN: 0268-1161; 1460-2350
• DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev036

STUDY QUESTION Do full term singletons born after preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) differ in their psychosocial functioning from children born after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and spontaneous conceived controls (SC)? SUMMARY ANSWER The psychosocial maturation process of 5–6-year-old PGD children is comparable between the three conception groups (PGD, ICSI and SC). WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN In general, a lot of research has been published regarding follow-up of children born after artificial reproductive technologies (ART), which mainly is reassuring. But the ART population itself is marked by broad diversity [IVF, ICSI, gamete donation, preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) or PGD] which complicates comparisons. Some literature concerning the socio-emotional development of PGD/PGS children is available and it suggests a normal maturation process. However, the complex reality of PGD families (e.g. safety of the technique and psychological burden of genetic histories) asks for an exclusive PGD sample with matched control groups and a multi-informant approach. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Between April 2011 and May 2013, the psychosocial wellbeing of preschoolers and their families born after PGD was assessed in a prospective case-controlled, matched follow-up study, with a multi-informant approach. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS A group of 47 PGD, 50 ICSI and 55 SC 5–6-year-old children participated in a follow-up study performed at the Centre for Medical Genetics of the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel). Assessments took place in the hospital and in kindergartens. Children performed the Bene–Anthony family relations test (FRT), yielding their perceptions upon family relationships. Parents and teachers completed the child behaviour checklist (CBCL) and Caregiver Teacher Report Form (C-/TRF), respectively. Parental and family functioning were measured by the NEO-FFi, the parenting stress index (PSI), the Greenberger Work-Parenting Investment Questionnaire and the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MCSDS). Statistical analysis was performed by using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE No differences were detected between the psychosocial development of PGD children and the control groups. Parents did not differ in reporting problem behaviour and they were stricter than teachers. Concerning family functioning the ART parents scored comparable with each other. PGD and ICSI mothers wer